Jill Kessell has dedicated her life to horses, with a passion for equestrian education and community engagement that spans decades. Her journey began at age 11 on a camp in Serpentine, where she first discovered the joys of riding. At 14, Jill got her first horse, a tolerant station horse, during her time in Darwin. Tragically, she lost him to Cyclone Tracy, along with most of the horses at her Pony Club.

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Returning to Perth to complete high school, Jill rode sporadically for many years, making do with borrowed horses or time at riding schools. Her equestrian journey reignited in her 40s when she got another horse and joined the Kelmscott Adult Riding Club. From there, her passion for equestrian education flourished, and she pursued accreditation as an EA coach and dressage judge, formally beginning her coaching career in 2014.

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Jill has been a cornerstone of the Wallangarra Riding and Pony Club since 2018, serving as Chief Instructor and mentoring countless riders. She is also a PCA-accredited coach and contributes her skills to Eq Cetera, a therapeutic riding centre. Her dedication to equestrian development extends to her roles on the EWA Coaching Committee and as a State Coaching Panel PCWA Board Member.

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Throughout her career, Jill has partnered with many incredible horses, each shaping her equestrian expertise. Among them, Tae, a Thoroughbred, introduced her to dressage, earning a memorable comment from a judge on their first test: "Lovely horse, rider needs to learn to ride him properly!" Her heart horse, Tango, a spirited Connemara pony, was her most cherished equine partner of all.

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Horses have provided Jill with lifelong friendships, countless happy memories, and a profound interest in equestrianism. She is passionate about sharing her knowledge, fostering inclusivity, and helping riders achieve their goals. Jill's unwavering dedication continues to inspire and shape the next generation of equestrians.